Martyrs who fell while defending Geçitkale and Boğaziçi on November 15, 1967 against Greek-Greek Cypriot attacks were remembered on Wednesday with separate ceremonies held at the two villages.
Speeches delivered during the ceremonies underlined that November 15 was a benchmark in the Turkish Cypriot people’s struggle for existence.
The ceremony at the Geçitkale Martyrs Monument started with the laying of wreaths in the order of protocol.
After a Minutes silence, the flags were raised to the reciting of the National Anthem.
Speaking at the ceremony the Mayor of Geçitkale-Serdarlı Municipality Halil Kasım emphasized that November 15, 1967 was an important turning point in the struggle for the existence of the Turkish Cypriot people.
Stating that the Greek-Greek Cypriot soldiers stationed around Geçitkale and Boğaziçi villages carried out a treacherous attack on Geçitkale and Boğaziçi villages, Kasım emphasized that the Turkish Cypriot fighters, who were very few in number, heroically defended their villages in this attack led by Grivas, the founder and leader of the bloody terrorist organisation EOKA.
Stating that 24 people from Geçitkale and Boğaziçi villages who fought heroically against EOKA were martyred, Kasım noted that the remaining villagers were taken prisoner, and that the prisoners were released after the Turkish fighter jets sent by Motherland Türkiye made a warning flight over Geçitkale and Boğaziçi villages.
Emphasizing that it is very important for Turkish Cypriots to take firm steps towards the future without forgetting the history and to feel the power and support of Motherland Türkiye in every field, Kasım said, “Everyone should know that the Turkish Cypriot people have suffered a lot of pain and persecution. We still feel and experience the pain of treacherous attacks on our innocent brothers throughout history.”
He said that today the Turkish Cypriots live in safety and peace thanks to all the martyrs who gave their lives for the sake of the homeland, and the support given by motherland Türkiye.
“Today, we commemorate our sainted martyrs who lost their lives for the Turkish Cypriot struggle for existence and we hope that such atrocities will never happen again. May your soul rest in peace” said Kasım.